Nearly 20 members kicked off the 2013-14 Cornhusker NAMA season with enthusiasm at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. Co-owner Tim Vala shared how his vision to become a farmer turned into a small business focused on building family traditions.

Tim knew little about farming when he started his business in the 80s. His first lesson involved getting stuck in the mud. Little did he know that getting unstuck would lead to a relationship that ultimately led to his first land purchase. The next step was finding a tractor – which he didn’t know how to drive. Shortly after purchasing a tractor — and learning how to drive it — he began planting fruits and vegetables.

In his second year of business, he planted pumpkins. He realized that pumpkins generated a positive atmosphere. Picking up on this customer feedback, Vala decided to continue growing pumpkins.  As the pumpkins grew, so did traditions of attending the pumpkin patch for thousands of families around Lincoln and Omaha. Today, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch plants nearly 55 acres of pumpkins.

Listening to customers has led to success. Although he employs more than 600 people, Mr. Vala finds himself walking the grounds during the 42 days the pumpkin patch is open to guests. He observes customers to see what attracts their attention. Vala says “I believe the best fertilizer is a footprint. As I walk the grounds, I can ask children what they like the most. It helps me decide where we can continue to enhance the experience.”

In September, Ohio NAMA hosted a reception in conjunction with Farm Science Review with over 20 people stopping by.  In addition to Ohio NAMA members, there were members from the Heartland chapter and non-members interested in becoming NAMA members.  Food and drinks were enjoyed, along with the opportunity to sit back and relax after a good day at the farm show.

Although there was no formal agenda, it provided an opportunity to discuss:

• What types of events work for members of the NAMA chapter.
• Some ideas of what we could do for a winter gathering.
• Why NAMA is important for people and their companies.

Everyone was very excited about how well the show went.   We had a very successful social gathering and look forward to a successful winter event coming in the next couple of months.

Badger NAMA members were joined by members of chapters from around the US for a reception at World Dairy Expo in October.  The annual evening event was a great chance for members to relax and network with other members with a cocktail away from the show floor.

Badger chapter members chartered a bus to make the trip to Warrens, WI in September to learn about one of Wisconsin’s least-understood specialty crops – the cranberry. Members toured a bog and processing plant at the Wetherby Cranberry Company and the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center to learn how they are grown, processed and marketed around the globe. Members enjoyed more “Something Special from Wisconsin” products on the bus ride home with an onboard wine and cheese tasting event.

Mark Wilke, partner, Applied Art & Technology, presented: New and Emerging Trends in Digital Media.  As a leader in technology Mark introduced effective uses of video and projection mapping as well as a high level introduction to Google glass and near field communication. He also familiarized the group on newer opportunities such as: voice recognition and biometrics, minority report style control, multi-touch, augmented reality, HD internet delivery and closed with some statistical support on target markets and best practices.

After the presentation, NAMA members could interact with the technology platforms developed by Applied Art & Technology and ask questions regarding the newest innovations in the marketplace.